At USC, They Give It Their Best Shot

To play through pain, it sometimes helps to have a little help. According to USC team physician James Tibone, each game 10 to 15 players request an injection of Toradol, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Players interviewed by the L.A. Times say they are not pressured to take shots. "You wouldn't go to work with a headache, you would take some Motrin," defensive end Lawrence Jackson said. "You don't need it to play, but it eliminates aches and pains." Tibone said different types of medicines have been used at USC over the last 15 years and that the practice has not increased during the tenure of coach Pete Carroll. Several Trojan players have returned quickly from major injuries, including return specialist Desmond Reed, cornerback Terrell Thomas and safety Kevin Ellison. ... In another USC item, criminal defense lawyer Carmen Trutanich has returned to the family. Trutanich was once the focus of an investigation into his role with the team because he was retained so frequently by troubled Trojan players. Last spring, when his daughter was denied admission to USC, he severed ties with the university. But he said the football program asked him to speak to freshmen about legal matters this week and he was happy to help out.